Zambia suspends vote counting and announcement of election results amid violence
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has suspended the counting of votes and the announcement of election results nationwide following reports of violence targeting election officials during the post-election process.
The suspension comes a day after Zambians went to the polls on Thursday, 13 August, to elect the President, members of Parliament and local government representatives.
The election had initially been scheduled to proceed to the announcement of results, with the ECZ previously indicating that the presidential results were expected to be declared on Monday.
According to the ECZ, incidents of violence were reported in several districts during the counting and results-announcement process. Election officials also reported cases involving the removal or theft of marked ballot papers from ballot boxes.
The commission said the decision to suspend the process was taken to protect election officials and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process amid the reported incidents. The suspension is expected to be reviewed within 24 hours.
The development has raised concerns over the timing of the release of the final results and whether the suspension could affect the previously announced electoral timetable.
Zambia’s 2026 general election has attracted significant attention, with incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term.
His leading opposition challenger is Brian Mundubile, who has campaigned on concerns including the cost of living and governance.
Approximately eight million registered voters were expected to participate in the election, with voting taking place at more than 13,500 polling stations across the country.
In addition to the presidential race, voters were choosing members of Parliament and local government councillors.
The ECZ’s decision does not mean that the election results have been cancelled.
Rather, the counting and announcement process has been temporarily halted while the commission responds to the reported violence and electoral incidents.
The commission’s timetable had provided for the receipt and verification of results from 15 to 17 August, with the declaration of election results scheduled for 17 August.
As Zambia awaits further communication from the ECZ, attention remains focused on the security situation at election centres, the protection of election officials and the commission’s ability to resume the counting process in a manner that is transparent and credible.
The ECZ is expected to provide an update after reviewing the suspension within the stated 24-hour period.
The situation remains developing, and further announcements from the Electoral Commission of Zambia are expected.
